Melissa Goodrich

Alyce Melissa Goodrich, 78, of the Patent Road, Peru, died Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the UVM Health Network, CVPH, in Plattsburgh, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Plattsburgh, February 28, 1947, the daughter of Kenneth and Alice (Hanks) Wright. Melissa was a 1965 Graduated from St. John’s School in Plattsburgh, and later attended and graduated from OLVA secretarial school.

Melissa and David Goodrich courted for about 6 months before marrying on August 6, 1966. David predeceased her one year to the day, prior to Melissa’s passing.

She was a 1996 SUNY Plattsburgh graduate B.S. Special Education and was a substitute teacher in Peru Central School District.

In 1974 she and David opened a breeding/racing harness horse stable. In the fall of 1998 they bought a yearling named Star of Paradise that became Horse of the Year in 2003.

She enjoyed bowling and in June of 1963, Melissa was the U.S. National Junior Bowling Champion.

Melissa was a member of the Harkness United Methodist Church for 56 years, U.S. Trotting Association, Saratoga Harness Horsepersons Association, Kappa Delta Pi, and the Peru Golden Apple Club.

Survivors include children, Mary Aliss; former son-in-law, Mike Gast; and son David; sisters, Simone and brother in law, Dennis Noud of Saratoga Springs, and Marguerite Kim Wright, of Plattsburgh; several nieces and nephews; cousins; neighbors; many friends; and her beloved racehorse, Star Of Paradise.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 4 to 6 PM at the Harkness Church. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 11 AM in the Harkness Church. A reception will follow in the Harkness Church Hall.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Harkness United Methodist Church, the Elmore SPCA, the American Cancer Society or the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program.

Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 518-643-9055.